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Daily Data InsightsColonialism meant that for centuries, many territories and people were ruled from elsewhere

Colonialism meant that for centuries, many territories and people were ruled from elsewhere

Stacked area chart of the number of European overseas colonies by region. The first wave last from the 15th century to the early 19th century and primarily affects the Americas. The second wave starts in the late 19th century, is concentrated in Africa and Asia, and ends in the mid-20th century.

Two hundred years ago, large parts of the world were ruled by a few European colonial powers, as the chart shows.

Since then, people in many countries have fought against colonial rule.

A first wave of countries gained independence in the 19th century, particularly in the Americas.

However, most countries did not gain independence until the middle of the 20th century.

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